Topical Bible: Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Publicly Proclaimed

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Prophecy, within the biblical context, refers to the divinely inspired messages delivered by prophets, who serve as God's spokespersons. These messages often include foretelling future events, providing guidance, or delivering divine judgment. Prophecy is a significant theme throughout the Bible, with numerous instances of public proclamation that have shaped the course of biblical history and theology.

Old Testament Prophecy

In the Old Testament, prophets were often called to publicly proclaim God's messages to the people of Israel and surrounding nations. These proclamations served various purposes, including calling the people to repentance, warning of impending judgment, and offering hope for future restoration.

One of the earliest examples of public prophecy is found in the story of Moses, who, as a prophet, delivered God's commandments and laws to the Israelites (Exodus 19-20). Moses' role as a public proclaimer of God's word set a precedent for future prophets.

The prophet Isaiah is another prominent figure whose public proclamations are well-documented. Isaiah's messages often addressed the social injustices and spiritual failings of his time, while also providing visions of hope and redemption. In Isaiah 1:18-20, he calls the people to reason together with the Lord, offering a promise of forgiveness and blessing for obedience.

Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," publicly proclaimed messages of impending judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness. Despite facing opposition and persecution, Jeremiah remained steadfast in delivering God's word. In Jeremiah 7:1-7, he stands at the gate of the Lord's house, calling the people to amend their ways and deeds.

New Testament Prophecy

In the New Testament, prophecy continues to play a vital role, with John the Baptist serving as a key prophetic figure. He publicly proclaimed the coming of the Messiah and called for repentance in preparation for the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 3:1-3).

Jesus Christ Himself is recognized as the ultimate prophet, whose public teachings and prophecies revealed the nature of God's Kingdom and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. In Matthew 24, Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse, a prophetic message concerning the end times and His second coming.

The early church also experienced the gift of prophecy, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. The prophet Agabus, for example, publicly predicted a severe famine (Acts 11:27-28) and later warned Paul of his impending arrest (Acts 21:10-11).

The Role and Purpose of Public Prophecy

Public prophecy serves several key purposes within the biblical narrative:

1. Revelation of God's Will: Prophets reveal God's will and intentions, providing guidance and direction to His people.

2. Call to Repentance: Prophetic messages often call individuals and nations to turn from sin and return to God.

3. Warning of Judgment: Prophets warn of the consequences of disobedience and the impending judgment that follows unrepentant sin.

4. Promise of Hope and Restoration: Prophecies frequently include promises of future hope, restoration, and the coming of the Messiah.

5. Confirmation of God's Sovereignty: Fulfilled prophecies confirm God's sovereignty and faithfulness, demonstrating His control over history.

Conclusion

Publicly proclaimed prophecy is a powerful tool used by God to communicate with His people throughout biblical history. It serves as a testament to His unchanging nature and His desire for humanity to align with His divine will. As believers study these prophetic messages, they are reminded of the importance of obedience, faith, and the hope found in God's promises.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 11:6
Then the LORD said to me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear you the words of this covenant, and do them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... All that we can discover respecting the commencement of ... of God" we find the names
of individuals widely differing ... though it was the wildest prophecy current at ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... The doubts of individuals, it is true, were still expressed respecting certain books
of ... without the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy connected with it ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... whatever might happen by the act of the individuals is sought for ... The argument from
prophecy. ... in the twenty-third book of the Exegetics, respecting those that ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... 2. From an expression of Jeremiah respecting Moses and ... 2:28; 11:13), but according
to the number of individuals. ... See the depth to which miserable men fall when ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... But the disciple of the Gospels and of Prophecy believes that ... short, something, be
it what it may, respecting Him ... consider it by itself, I fail to see what will ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... prove a mere rope of sand"a prophecy which subsequent ... It is impossible to help
respecting a lady whose whole ... to shame.' 'Well,' said the King, 'see if you ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... Catechetical School of Alexandria, especially under the leadership ... of the bishop's
predecessors in the see, compelled him ... in Rome: he drove out prophecy and he ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm